Provides an overview of the significant role of national politics on transportation safety policy in the United States. Using case studies of notable safety enhancement efforts in aviation, highway, and other transportation modes, students discover the significant roles and interactions of lobbyists, industry associations, politicians, and Federal Agencies in transportation safety research and subsequent safety improvement rulemaking. Through informal lectures, readings and a field trip to the Baltimore Washington International airport tower, students learn that transportation safety and injury prevention improvements often require significant efforts to successfully navigate the path from research findings to interventions that improve the traveling public's safety and health.

Learning Objectives:

Upon successfully completing this course, students will be able to:

Be familiar with policy issues related to transportation safety

Recognize the role of national politics in transportation safety policy in the United States

Understand how transportation safety research as well as lobbyists, industry associations, politicians, and Federal Agencies impact subsequent safety improvement rulemaking

Methods of Assessment:

Student evaluation based on a short paper addressing a case study of transportation safety policy.